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Postpartum Emergencies

Postpartum patients are at risk for a number of medical problems and will often present to the ED when they are feeling unwell. Certain disorders such as postpartum hemorrhage, endometritis, and eclampsia are unique to the pregnant or postpartum patient and can be readily diagnosed in the ED. Other conditions such as cardiomyopathy and pulmonary embolus present with increased frequency in the patient and must be considered on the differential of a postpartum patient presenting with shortness of breath. Several postpartum complications can be life-threatening especially if not diagnosed and managed promptly.